The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Struggling with darkness, depression, or discouragement? In The Lord Is My Light, Vivian Bricker unpacks Micah 7:8 to remind us that even when we fall, God’s light breaks through. This episode offers hope for Christians battling spiritual darkness, emotional struggles, and seasons of despair—pointing to the Lord’s protection, grace, and peace that bring light out of shadows. Perfect for those seeking encouragement, Christian hope, and biblical truth about overcoming darkness with God’s presence. ✨ Highlights Micah 7:8 and the promise: “Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” How depression and spiritual darkness can affect our walk with God Why physical and emotional darkness can give a false sense of security The Lord’s power to protect, restore, and bring peace even in life’s darkest seasons Encouragement to rise again after falling, trusting in God’s light and salvation 💬 Join the Conversation Do you ever find the darkness more comfortable than the light? How has Jesus brought you out of seasons of despair into His peace and presence? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #TheLordIsMyLight #ChristianEncouragement #FaithAndHope to encourage others with your story of God’s light breaking through. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Lord Is My Light By: Vivian Bricker “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light” (Micah 7:8). As someone who struggles with depression, I often find myself in the darkness. This might surprise some, but I tend to be more comfortable in the darkness. Rainy days and nights bring me comfort, while the brilliance of the sun brings my heart grief. Sad music brings my heart comfort rather than upbeat, happy tunes. Even though some of us may be comfortable in the darkness, it does not mean it is the healthiest place to be, either physically or spiritually. Always being in physical darkness can worsen our feelings of depression as well as our deep sorrow. In the same way, being in spiritual or emotional darkness can cause us to suffer in our walk with the Lord. As we turn more to the Lord, we will see His light shine into our lives. He calls us out of the darkness and into His Kingdom. Even though it might be scary at times to go into the light, we can trust the Lord. The darkness is not our forever home, as it only gives us a false sense of security. By turning to the Lord, we will have His protection, grace, and peace. Intersecting Faith & Life: Through the Book of Micah, we see Micah calling the Lord his light: “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light” (Micah 7:8). As Micah says in this passage, although he sits in darkness, the Lord will be his light. Jesus will also be our light; even if we sit in the darkness for years, we can still find hope in the Lord. While some periods of darkness can feel comfortable to us, there are also other periods of darkness that cause us to feel worried, scared, and alone. During these times of darkness, we can also find comfort in knowing the Lord is our light. He will illuminate the darkness and make His peace, comfort, and love known to us. We are never without hope because we are never without God. Upon further reflection on Micah 7:8, we also see the prophet saying, “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.” Like Micah, we can also tell our enemies that they cannot gloat over us. Although we may have fallen, we will rise again. The Lord will establish our feet on level ground and strengthen us. He is our light and our salvation (Psalm 27:1). We never need to doubt Him or be worried. The Lord brings light out of darkness, and where He stands, the dark shadows flee away. There is nothing in all creation that can thwart Jesus’ protection or His power. Rather than remaining in the darkness, we can step out into the light today. Do you find the darkness to be more comfortable? Why or why not? What would it look like to have Jesus bring you out of this darkness? Would it give you a sense of hope or uncertainty? Jesus is the light of our lives and will help us rise again. How can you find peace in this truth today? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover how God’s mysterious ways are revealed in nature and in our lives in Discovering God’s Mysterious Ways this Fall. Lynette Kittle explores the spiritual lessons of autumn, including God’s promises of resurrection, renewal, and hidden growth, perfect for listeners seeking Christian insight, reflection, and spiritual growth during the fall season. This episode helps believers connect the beauty and change of fall with God’s transformative power and eternal plan. ✨ Highlights How fall reveals the mystery of resurrection and Jesus’ promise of new life Understanding how dying leads to new life, spiritually and naturally The hidden work of God in secret, unseen growth during seasons of dormancy God’s creation of newness in our hearts and lives through the Holy Spirit Practical reflection on embracing God’s transformative work during autumn 💬 Join the Conversation How does fall remind you of God’s mysterious ways in your life? In what ways do you see God working in hidden or unexpected ways during times of change? Share your insights and reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #GodsMystery #AutumnReflections #SpiritualGrowth to connect and encourage others to see God’s work in every season. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Discovering God’s Mysterious Ways this Fall By Lynette Kittle “This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed”-- 1 Corinthians 4:1 What’s so beautiful about fall? The answer is, “Almost everything!” Beautiful fall colors lead the way with their bright and varied intensity. The changing hues are bright and magnificent, glorious and breath-taking, until they fade away to become the brown, and brittle. Once the splendor of vibrant colors diminishes, it causes us to look forward to what lies ahead. Fall Reveals Some of God’s Mysterious Ways Fall paints a picture that reveals some of the mysterious ways God works in nature and in our lives. The following are four ways. Fall reveals the mystery of resurrection’s promise. Although at fall’s ending, the earth seems stark and barren, it carries the promise of the resurrection to come, as lived out in the life of Jesus on earth. His death brought great sorrow and loss to His followers who, during His death process on the cross, didn’t fully understand what would happen next, even though He told them. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus explains, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Jesus’ death was followed by His glorious resurrection from the grave, bringing great joy and the promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, so that we, too, can live on earth filled with the power Jesus exuded. Fall reveals the mystery of dying leading to new life. Fall is literally the dying off of spring and summer’s growth. Although, for most, death seems like the end, God reveals to us that dying can lead to new life. Jesus’ death led the way to our receiving new life. As the Apostle Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 5:15 “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” Paul teaches, too, how we then die to sin and become alive in God: “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:1). Fall reveals the mystery of God’s secrets. Fall reveals to us that God does things in secret. After fall, when nature looks naked and stripped, God is stirring new life within the trees and plants, things we can’t see in their barrenness. Deuteronomy 29:29 explains how, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” After fall, most outdoor trees and plants go into a survival state termed dormancy, where their outer appearances seem lifeless, but they are still very much alive on the inside, deep within, hidden from human eyes. During the winter cold, they may look dead, but they are dramatically slowing and conserving their internal biological processes as protection from the frigid temperatures. Although hidden inside from sight, new life is forming buds and seeds, carefully preparing and preserving them to burst forth in springtime. Fall reveals the mystery of God creating newness. Fall paves the way for God to create newness on the earth, ridding the land of the past and bringing forth new life, just like He does in us. The way God transforms the hearts of sinners is truly a mystery, of how His Holy Spirit works deep within us, making us new, cleansing us within. “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”(Hebrews 9:14). God removes old things from inside of us, and creates a new us, from the inside out. 2 Corinthians 5:17 explains it further: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Intersecting Faith & Life: If fall stirs up a mixed bag of feelings and emotions for you, ask God to show you how its fading beauty leads to something even more beautiful, new life. Ask Him to stir His life and new creation within you, as you look forward to the earth’s newness to emerge. Further Reading: A Prayer to Deepen Your Prayer Life this Fall crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-deepen-your-prayer-life-this-fall.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Loving others well, growing in discernment, and navigating challenging relationships are explored in Abounding in Love and Discernment, based on Philippians 1:9-11. In this episode, listeners learn how to cultivate Christ-centered love that overflows with knowledge, insight, and spiritual discernment—essential for handling difficult family members, friends, or coworkers. Perfect for those seeking guidance on Christian love, relational wisdom, and spiritual growth. ✨ Highlights Understanding Paul’s prayer for love to “abound more and more” in knowledge, insight, and discernment Practical guidance for showing Christ-like love in difficult or challenging relationships Using experience, empathy, and Spirit-led wisdom to love well under pressure Balancing grace and truth when navigating boundaries, dysfunction, and relational pain Encouragement to grow continually in godly love, insight, and spiritual maturity 💬 Join the Conversation How do you apply Christ’s principles of love in challenging relationships? In what ways do knowledge, insight, and discernment help you navigate relational difficulties? Share your experiences with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ChristianLove #DiscernmentInFaith #RelationalWisdom to encourage and connect with others seeking to grow in God-centered love. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV). Am I the only one who, at times, lands in situations where loving others feels challenging and confusing? And I’m not referring to those instances when we’re hurt, or distrustful, or selfish and simply don’t want to love like Jesus. I mean, that in and of itself is perhaps the most difficult assignment the Lord gave us. But how do we apply Christ’s directives to, say, a drug addicted child or alcoholic spouse? How should we respond to that friend struggling with debilitating depression or working through unhealed trauma from their past? What about that family member that consistently blows through our boundaries and threatens to infect us with their dysfunction? Loving people well, honorably, with equal parts grace and truth, feels anything but simple. Maybe that’s why I felt so drawn to today’s passage in Phillipians. This letter from Paul, a first century evangelist and God-ordained apostle who wrote much of the New Testament, encourages us to love others, those who are prickly, hurting, joyous and fun, and everyone in between, with our thinking brains engaged. First, I’m struck by the fact that he prayed for the Philippians to grow in love. I’m intrigued by many of his prayers in Scripture. We rarely see him praying for relief, for himself or the men and women he led. They experienced persecution, job loss, health issues, and all the other challenges and hardships we do. But Paul remained fixated on his mission, representing Christ well, and teaching those he influenced to follow his example. I once heard a sermon that the experience he relayed in 2 Corinthians 12, where he, according to verse 4, “was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell” enabled him to persevere through intense suffering—because he’d caught a glimpse of the amazing blessings that lay ahead. I suspect that’s true. He was able to love well, sacrificially, because he knew Christ had already won, and that God had preserved a glorious inheritance for all His children. Such understanding might help with our motivation, but that doesn’t speak to the confusion we often feel when trying to live this out in our day-to-day lives. That’s why we need to continually grow in knowledge, insight, and discernment. Paul prayed that our love might abound more and more in those qualities. If one were writing this today, they’d likely end their sentence with numerous exclamation points. Let’s break this down. In the original Greek, the word our Bibles translate as abound has the connotation of something that exceeds what is necessary and overflows all around. I’m thinking of when someone uses a hose to fill a bucket with water and keeps it flowing so that it gushes over the rim and onto the concrete. But that wasn’t enough. Paul expanded on this abundance with the phrase, “more and more.” Therefore, an increase in what already existed in abundance. This reminds me that we never reach a place of complete maturity, complete godliness, this side of heaven. We can always grow in our ability to love others, again, with the perfect blend of grace and truth. Paul prayed that the Philippians’ love, and by extension, ours, would abound in knowledge. In the original Greek, this is the understanding that comes through personal experience. It’s one thing to recite the qualities of love described in 1 Corinthians 13, to know, in our head, that love is patient, kind, and gentle. It’s another matter entirely to know how to display those characteristics when we’re hurt, irritated, sleep deprived or triggered. That takes experience and practice. Notice, also, Scripture encourages us to love with insight and discernment. Insight implies understanding the needs, challenges, perceptions and hurts of those to whom we are showing love. It’s taking time to really see people, and to respond from a place of empathy, understanding, and Spirit-led wisdom. And finally, God wants us to love with discernment. This reminds me of when Jesus told us to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. We’re to remain alert to manipulation tactics, dishonesty, dysfunction, and behaviors that, if encouraged, could lead someone to self-destruct. This also takes practice, prayer, ongoing connection with Christ, and maintaining a pure and pliable heart that learns to follow His lead, and only His lead, trusting that He knows best how we can love the souls He created. Further Reading: John 13:34-35 Ephesians 4:25-32 Romans 12:9-13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Autumn reflections, Christian faith, and spiritual patience come together in Getting Ready for Autumn by Vivian Bricker, offering guidance for navigating the changing seasons of life. Drawing on James 5:7-8, this episode explores how God’s presence, patience, and comfort help believers process grief, embrace beauty, and remain steadfast in faith. Perfect for listeners seeking Christian encouragement, spiritual growth, seasonal reflection, and coping with loss during fall. ✨ Highlights Embracing the beauty and pain of the Autumn season through a Christ-centered perspective Learning patience from the farmer’s example in James 5:7-8 Recognizing God’s constant presence through all seasons of life, including grief and hardship Practical encouragement for coping with memories, loss, and emotional challenges in fall Reflecting on personal spiritual growth and trust in God during times of waiting 💬 Join the Conversation Does Autumn bring happy or sad memories for you? How do you embrace both the beauty and challenges of the season while trusting God? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #AutumnFaith #ChristianReflection #PatienceInGod to connect with others navigating the season of faith, grief, and hope 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Getting Ready for Autumn By Vivian Bricker “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8). Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The colorful fall leaves, the changing of the seasons, and the cooler weather are its hallmarks. However, the fall season can also bring many sad memories. My mom passed away in the fall, which changed the Autumn season for me. I still think Autumn is a beautiful season, but now there is pain that coexists with beauty. Maybe fall brings you the same feelings. There is pain, but there is also beauty. As we prepare for Autumn, we need to reflect on all these feelings. We need to accept the pain and the beauty. This is something that I have had to do for many years. Autumn was once filled with joy, and now it is a reminder of tears and pain. I have learned that accepting the pain is part of the journey of moving forward. God has been present with me through every struggle and hardship. He was beside me when my mom passed, and He continues to be beside me every day. This is one of God’s many promises to us: He will be with us through every step of our lives (Psalm 23). Rather than giving way to pain and fear, we need to turn to God. He will help us cope with anything that the world throws at us. Sadly, none of us is promised an easy life on this earth. We will have hard times and intense struggles. Health problems will come, friends will leave our lives, and loved ones will pass on. The only person who stays with us always is God. He will never leave our side, whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter. No matter what season brings pain into our lives, God will be with us. Intersecting Faith & Life: Getting ready for Autumn also requires patience. Patience for the season ahead and patience to endure any troubles. The half-brother of the Lord says, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8). As James tells us, we need to be patient until the Lord’s coming. Similar to how the farmer waits for autumn and spring rains, we need to be patient and stand firm, because Jesus’ coming is near. As we walk through this Autumn season, we must patiently wait just as the farmer waits for his land to yield its crop. Jesus’ coming will arrive in its proper time, but we must wait until it’s time. Waiting can be hard, but we can weather any storm with the Lord’s strength. We can choose to be patient as we are approaching this season by staying focused on God. He will equip us with comfort, peace, and guidance. During the fall months, we can begin to experience intense sadness because of the darker days and the memories of the past. However, God can help us accept this pain while also enjoying the beauty of the crisp, colorful days. As you walk through this season, be patient with yourself. It is okay to cry and express your emotions. There is nothing wrong with releasing your pain in tears. Crying out to God is not weak or problematic. In fact, it is actually a great thing because it acknowledges our dependence on God and our need for His deliverance. Give all of these feelings over to Him today, equip yourself with patience, and step into Autumn with a heart of hope. Does Autumn bring happy or sad memories for you? How might you allow the beauty and pain of Autumn to coexist? What are some ways you can trust God in the waiting period? “Dear God, I will wait patiently for Your deliverance just as the farmer waits for the spring and Autumn rains. Autumn can be a challenging time for me, but I’m waiting on You. Please fill my life with your love, hope, and protection. Help me to also see the beauty even amidst the pain. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every day, we face countless decisions—some small, some life-changing. In Discern What’s Best, Whitney Hopler shows how prayer, God’s guidance, and growing in spiritual insight help us make choices that honor Him and produce the fruit of righteousness. Drawing on Philippians 1:9-11, this episode explores how God-centered discernment, love, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance shape our daily decisions. Perfect for listeners seeking Christian decision-making guidance, spiritual growth, and clarity in life’s choices. ✨ Highlights How God’s love deepens knowledge and insight to help discern the best choices Practical ways to grow in discernment: prayer, Bible reading, and listening to the Holy Spirit Using discernment to align decisions with God’s will and produce the fruit of righteousness Reflecting on daily decisions through a spiritual lens for holiness and clarity Encouragement for integrating God-centered discernment into everyday life 💬 Join the Conversation How has God guided you in a recent decision? What does it look like for you to seek His perspective before making choices? Share your insights and experiences with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #DiscernWhatsBest #ChristianDecisionMaking #FaithAndChoices to connect and encourage others on their journey of spiritual discernment. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Discern What’s Best By: Whitney Hopler “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:9-11, NIV As I looked forward to a weekend coming up, I considered how I’d like to spend it. I loved adventures in nature, so maybe I could hike with my husband in a park, even though the forecast called for rain. I thought of how a coworker was planning to binge watch a new TV show that I also wanted to see, but I didn’t want to let TV consume too much of my weekend. I couldn’t forget my to-do list of work, chores, and errands I wanted to get through, so I planned which ones I might tackle first. All of those choices were good enough not to be bad, but none of them excited me. So, I prayed about my weekend plans, asking for guidance. Then a good friend came to mind, and when I called her, she invited me to attend an event at her church that weekend. At that event, I experienced renewal and revival from a powerful worship service and deep conversations with my friend and other women there. It turned out to be the best choice I could have made! We’re free to choose from among many options every day as we make decisions. Lots of good choices are possible. But choosing what’s truly best is only possible with the discernment that comes from God. In Philippians 1:9-11, the apostle Paul prays that our love would grow “more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” so we can “discern what is best”. This love – the love that comes from God – helps us see the choices we face from the perspective of what really matters most. Discerning love comes as a result of relationships with Jesus. When we ask Jesus to help us discern what’s best, his love flows through our lives, shaping our perspective so we can understand what’s truly important. Then, we can make the best decisions day by day. We can keep growing in discernment by praying for more knowledge and insight regularly. We can read God’s Word often to get to know God’s character and teachings well. We can ask the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, to help us see the decisions we face from God’s perspective. We can also pause before we make an important decision and ask ourselves questions like: “What is the most loving thing to do here?” and “What decision will produce the fruit of righteousness?” The more we know God from walking with Jesus, the better we can recognize what’s truly best in any kind of situation. Remember, the goal isn’t just to make good choices; it’s to make the very best choices. So, as we face different decisions day by day, let’s pray for help to discern what’s best. When we do so, we’ll be blessed, and God will be grateful, because we’ll be giving him glory and praise in the process! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how important it is to discern what’s best, reflect on these questions: Think about a recent decision you had to make. Did you feel like you had a clear sense of what was best, or was it a bit confusing? What factors influenced your final choice? This verse connects discernment with love. How do you think a deeper, more knowledgeable love can change the way you approach difficult choices? What’s one area of your life where you feel a strong need for more discernment right now? How can you pray for knowledge and insight in that area this week? This verse says that discernment helps us become “pure and blameless.” How would praying about your decisions help you grow in holiness? How can you create more space in your life for the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and decisions more? Further Reading Proverbs 3:5-6 Hebrews 5:14 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 James 1:5 Romans 12:2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How does parenthood shape our faith? In The Toddler’s Gospel, Peyton Garland explores the profound spiritual lessons hidden in the chaos of toddler life. From navigating postpartum struggles to discovering humility and dependence on God, this devotional shows how the simple words of a child—Help, Please, Sorry—reveal the heart of the gospel and deepen our prayer life. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and anyone seeking guidance on faith in daily life and Christian parenting. ✨ Highlights The spiritual lessons of toddlerhood: humility, dependence, and repentance How the toddler words Help, Please, Sorry mirror our relationship with God Finding God’s presence and guidance during postpartum challenges Learning to pray with vulnerability, honesty, and surrender Practical encouragement for moms, dads, and caregivers in faith-filled parenting 💬 Join the Conversation How has your parenting season taught you about humility, dependence, and prayer? What small moments in your home reveal God’s heart to you? Share your story and encourage other parents, caregivers, and believers! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ToddlersGospel #FaithInParenting to join the conversation and inspire others to see the gospel in everyday life. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Toddler’s Gospel by Peyton Garland “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NIV) I thought I had the Lord figured out in my late twenties. I had finally untangled lots of lies that I was subjected to in an unhealthy church culture. I had undergone counseling to work through childhood hardships and relational struggles. I was praying all the prayers, reading all the Bible studies, and holding myself accountable through godly friendships. By all “good Christian” standards, I had ensured my mind, body, and soul were healthily aligned with God’s truth. My faith was unshakeable… but then I became a mother, and my perception of myself and God was turned upside down. I endured heavy post-partum depression and wasn’t sure I would ever find hope again. The hormonal changes were drastic, and my mind couldn’t keep up with my body’s ever-changing state. Meanwhile, family members who promised to support us in this new season didn’t show. It seemed life handed us constant disappointments. But my son’s smile, his little giggle, was my glimpse at heaven. His innocence was a treasure trove of joy I could open on my worst days. He was the reason I clung to my shaken belief that God was good. After nearly seven months of intensive therapy, hard conversations with family, and lots and lots of praying, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. My body slowly regained its stability, and I discovered a new fervor for understanding the God who had handcrafted the angel I cradled every day. But with this new fervor came a new sense of humility, of recognizing just how little control I have over life and how often my failures pile high. This fervor for my faith shifted from being about me to being about the nature of God. If the sermon, the podcast, the devotional, etc., wasn’t about His heart, I wasn’t interested. My heart had experienced too much hurt and, I’ll be honest, self-loathing to mold the gospel around me. I wanted something more sure and steady. I wanted God. He was the only one who could keep my head above water. He was the only one who could truly protect my baby. I’m now in the toddler season of motherhood, where faith and patience are tried by fire. My days are filled with scrubbing peanut butter off walls, fishing toy tractors out of the toilet, and saying (for the five-millionth time that day), “No, sir!” It’s mentally taxing work, but my son continues showing me the heart of the Father. He does so with three simple (garbled, phonetically incorrect) words: “Hewp!”, “Pease,” and “Sowwy.” If these three words aren’t the foundation for the gospel, I’m not sure what else is. After all, aren’t we often God’s toddlers, running wild, doing as we please, no matter how selfish or spiritually dangerous? Shiny things catch our eye, and we chase whatever is in front of us without thinking. It’s no wonder so many of our prayers start with, “Help!” If it’s been a while since you asked God for help, consider this one-word prayer and the humility it presses on your heart. “Please” is placing power in another’s hands, allowing them to grant or deny your request. My little one doesn’t enjoy it when his “Pwease” is followed by my “No, sir!” But aren’t we often like my toddler? We easily believe that asking is all it takes for a prayer to be granted. If we’re nice enough, we think we can manipulate God, and if we don’t get our way, we throw spiritual tantrums. We bail on church and neglect our Bibles. But what if “Please” was an honest request, where we shared heartfelt desires that ended with, “... nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:43, ASV)? How much healthier would our hearts be, regardless of getting our way or not, if this became our new prayer? My son loves to rough play, but sometimes, his idea of play is a bit too violent. When our little guy disobeys, we tell him to say he is sorry, and we then explain to him, in simple toddler terms, why we don’t do x, y, or z. Needless to say, in this life season, “Sowwy” is on repeat. It’s still hard for him to understand why he should apologize, but simply hearing that word from him melts my heart. And I fervently believe that when we repent, even when we don’t understand all the hurt we’ve caused, I believe it melts God’s heart, too. Repentance changes things, and I encourage you to search your heart for the reasons you might owe others and/or God an “I’m sorry.” My toddler has shifted my perspective on the gospel. He has shown me what true humility is and how my need for control is useless. I’ve discovered how simple but beautiful my faith can be when I keep a heartfelt “Help,” “Please,” and “Sorry” in my daily prayers. Intersecting Faith & Life: Take a few moments to list the ways you could implement a vulnerable prayer of “Help”, “Please,” and “Sorry” into your daily conversations with God. Further Reading: 6 Prayers of Peace for Moms Choosing to Stay at Home Bible Verses about Children - Scriptures for Kids and Parents Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do we honor God’s faithfulness in our lives and in our churches? In this devotional, we explore the importance of celebrating your church, your community, and God’s work through milestones and spiritual victories. Just like the Israelites set up stones of remembrance in Joshua 4, we are called to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the ways God has guided, sustained, and blessed us—both individually and collectively. ✨ Highlights Why celebration should be part of every church’s culture How setting “stones of remembrance” strengthens our faith Practical ways to honor God’s work within your community Encouragement to celebrate spiritual milestones — big and small How celebrating together deepens unity and reflects God’s love 💬 Join the Conversation How has your church celebrated God’s faithfulness in your life? Do you mark spiritual milestones with your community, small group, or family? Share your story and encourage others! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #CelebrateGodsFaithfulness to join the conversation and inspire believers everywhere to rejoice in what God has done. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Celebrate Your Church “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you… These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:4-5;7 Plunking down the dinner plates and setting up each fork and spoon in perfect formation, I reflected on the ups and downs we had gone through in our 25 years of marriage. Our lives together had many high points. But it is also accompanied by some very low points in life. We know we wouldn't have gotten through any of that if we were not together. As we looked out over the balcony and watched as many of our old friends and family members gathered to celebrate our landmark anniversary, we remembered just how blessed we were to have so many people with whom we were still in touch who were championing the success of our marriage. As we walked hand-in-hand to the eruption of their applause, we sat at our table, ate our food, and danced in celebration of the many things God had done in and through us through our 25 years of marriage. Although the party took a lot of planning, effort, and hard work, we wouldn't have done it differently. We wanted that day to be a celebration of all the things that God had done. We tried to make the day not only about us, but also about God and what he had done. As many marriages end in divorce, we wanted to celebrate that through God's faithfulness, we had stayed together and stayed the course of God's path for us in our marriage. Celebration should become a normal part of every church. Cheering each other on in their spiritual journey should be infused within the DNA of every church. Not only does the church shine when it helps others in need, and cares for their sisters and brothers in Christ during times of crisis, each member should also be celebrated for their successes in the spiritual journey. In the same way that we wanted to celebrate our milestone of being married for twenty-five years, the church should also make a habit of celebrating each other's successes. Although churches may not be able to afford or have the workforce to put on parties for every successful event in the church, the church needs to remember all the ways God has been faithful to them over the years. Because churches today are often known more for what they are against rather than what they are for, churches need to be remembered as ones that celebrate their members’ successes and triumphs in life. Most of all, the celebration can be a remembrance of all that God has done in and through his church throughout the years. What are some of the ways you remember your church members’ successes? Is there a way you can celebrate with your small group or have a yearly event where you celebrate all the milestones of what God has done? Can a church ‘s administrative assistant put some praise items in the bulletin? What other ways can you celebrate your brothers and sisters in Christ, or even your own successes? Take a moment and write in your journal all the ways God has worked in your life and your church. Take it to your small group or leader and share all the ways God has moved. Celebrate all the ways God has shown his faithfulness to you and the church, not only this year but also in the past years. Be people known to celebrate who you are, what you have done, and most importantly, who He is. Father, let us be churches that are known for celebration. Let us set up figurative stones of remembrance so that we can be reminded of your faithfulness on a regular basis. Help us not to forget who you are and what you have done through us. Let us work for your pleasure, not only when we care for others during times of difficulty, but also celebrate all the ways you've made them prosperous and successful. Amen. Intersecting faith and Life What is one thing you can celebrate in your life or in the life of your church? Further Reading 1 Peter 3:15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can you tell if a teaching lines up with God’s truth? In this devotional, we explore how reading the Bible protects us from false teaching and equips us to recognize deception before it takes root. By understanding Scripture deeply, we can confidently discern God’s truth and avoid being led astray by misleading doctrines and counterfeit beliefs. ✨ Highlights Why studying the Bible is key to recognizing false teachers How God’s Word exposes manipulation, error, and deception Practical ways to hide God’s Word in your heart How the Holy Spirit guides us in discerning spiritual truth Scriptures to help strengthen your faith and guard against lies 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever encountered a teaching that didn’t sit right with you? How do you test what you hear against God’s Word? Share your thoughts and experiences with us — we’d love to hear from you! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #GroundedInTruth to join the conversation and encourage others in their faith journey. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: How Reading the Bible Keeps Us from Believing False Teaching By Lynette Kittle “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves”--2 Peter 2:1 Like art and jewel experts and dealers study real jewels and artwork to keep them from buying forgeries and counterfeits, studying the Bible keeps us from believing false teachings. Disappointingly, the world, like never before, is full of scams, schemes, and false beliefs. Nowadays, there are countless emails, texts, and online offers and deals that look so convincing before we know it, we’re ordering products that are never going to arrive. Like phony offers, if we aren’t aware of and informed to know and understand that there are false teachings trying to draw us in, designed to deceive us, we can be duped and led astray. It’s why the Bible is such an important book to read and study, because by doing so, it protects us from being captured by the enemy of our souls. 2 Timothy 3:6-9 describes what they are like: “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.” The Bible Reveals Truth to Us The Apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). He understood, as written in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The word of God not only gives us life, but it also helps to protect our faith by cutting through errors, manipulation, deception, and false teaching, revealing the truth to us of what we’re reading and hearing. The Bible Equips Us to Recognize When Things Seem Off Because I carefully go through each morning choosing vitamins for my husband and myself, it’s so familiar to me, that I can look down and instantly see if one is missing because the pile of pills looks off and different. It’s like that when we know God’s word, when we’ve hidden it in our hearts. We come to know it so well that when we see, hear, or read something that’s off or different from the truth of His word, we instantly recognize it. Psalm 119:11 teaches, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Becoming so familiar with God’s word and establishing itself in our hearts, along with the help of the Holy Spirit leading us, helps us, without even thinking to recognize when we see or hear something that doesn’t line up with it. God’s truth hidden in our hearts alerts us to false teachings. The reason so many believers are led astray is that they don’t know His word, so when a false teaching or doctrine is introduced to them, they don’t recognize it. For those reasons, it’s vital and critically important for us to read and study our Bibles, so that we aren’t deceived, misled, or led astray from the truth of God’s word. We can be confident that when His word shines light on what we’re hearing and reading, we will not be misled, as Psalm 119:105 describes, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Intersecting Faith & Life: How are you at knowing what is truth or error when it comes to God’s word? If you don’t know His word, find a Bible reading plan to help you know the truth of God’s word. Check out Biblestudytools.com for a free Bible app offering Bible reading audio, reading plans, and devotionals to help you know God’s word. Further Reading: 7 Reasons to Read Your Bible https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/7-reasons-to-read-your-bible-the-crosswalk-devotional.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you ever feel unseen, unworthy, or unloved? In this devotional, we unpack what it means to be precious in God’s sight and how your identity in Christ gives you lasting value. Drawing from Isaiah 43:4, we explore God’s promise that you are deeply loved, fully known, and chosen—no matter your past, mistakes, or insecurities. Highlights Why God calls you precious, honored, and deeply loved How Isaiah 43 reveals God’s heart for His people, even in rebellion Finding security when relationships feel distant or rejection creeps in God’s compassion and grace in the middle of our brokenness Practical steps to anchor your worth and identity in Christ 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever struggled to believe you’re valuable and loved by God? Share your story with us—we’d love to hear how Isaiah 43:4 speaks to you. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #PreciousInHisSight to join the conversation and encourage others who need this reminder today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you,I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:4, NIV Do you ever feel like a burden, unimportant, or insufficient? Maybe you’re a parent of an adult child, and you wonder if your son or daughter truly wants to hang out with you. Or maybe they’re in that young adult phase where, developmentally, they’re figuring out who they are, and are forging new relationships and, for a time, separating from you. And maybe that feels like a rejection that triggers negative self-talk. Or maybe there’s another relationship that doesn’t quite feel emotionally safe or reciprocal. Those circumstances can leave us feeling insignificant and unvalued. I understand how that feels. For much of my life I battled feelings of insecurity and wounds that challenged my ability to see myself as valuable, let alone precious. Yet, that’s precisely how God sees me. Even on my worst, most sinful and emotionally dysregulated days, He calls me precious. I say that based on the context surrounding today’s verse and all that was occurring with the nation of Israel when God first spoke these words through the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. God’s people had rebelled against Him, for generations, to worship idols. They abandoned the Lord who watched over them, loved, protected, and guided them. The people resorted to violence, oppressed and used one another, and perpetuated injustice. For centuries, the Lord urged them to return to Him and live in the freedom for which He created them, but they refused. This grieved the Lord. The very fact that He addressed their sin through numerous prophets and in many chapters, shows how much He longed for a restored relationship with them and for them to love one another well. For His kids to stop abusing His kids. Listen to His heart, expressed to His rebellious children, in Isaiah 30:18: Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. (NASB) Then, about 12 chapters later, He promised to send His Son who, according to Isaiah 42:3, would show gentleness to those weighed down by their burdens and who felt ready to break. Then we get to Isaiah 43, one of my favorite passages in Scripture because it reminds me that we’re never alone in our chaos, even when we’ve landed in messes of our own making. Intersecting Life and Faith God remains with us when we feel like we’re drowning and He promises He won’t let the waves overtake us. Why? Because we are precious to Him. He calls us precious when we faithfully read our Bibles, pray, serve in ministry, and regularly attend church. He also calls us precious when we react out of fear or frustration, give in to our pride, and do and say things that cause our friends and loved one’s pain. Obviously, He doesn’t condone our sin, but neither is that all He sees, when He looks at us. Instead, He sees our redemption and the righteousness of Christ. He remembers when He knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), took our first steps, made our first friend, and first received His gift of life. When He gazes upon me and you, His deeply flawed but deeply loved children, He also sees our potential—who, by His grace, we’ll one day become. And He calls us precious. Rare, valuable, costly, and highly esteemed. Men and women He cherishes, carries, and protects. People He loved so much, He sent His Son to free us from the mess we’ve all, collectively created. How does that truth hit? The wounded parts of me find this surprising, but I’m learning to cast aside all the lies I’ve absorbed about myself and to live more firmly anchored in the truth my Father proclaims. Because He alone has the authority to determine our value, and again, He says we’re precious. Lord, help us to receive your words as truth. If this is something you struggle with, I invite you to read through my upcoming Bible Reading plan on identity titled, Embracing Your True Self: Living in Your Christ-Centered Identity, coming soon to the YouVersion Bible app. Further Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10 Isaiah 49:16 Luke 12:6-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you facing a situation that feels impossible to fix on your own? This devotional reminds us that God can do what we can’t do and invites us to fully trust Him in circumstances beyond our control. When we reach the limits of our own abilities, God’s power begins where ours ends. Drawing from Luke 18:27, we’re reminded that “what is impossible with man is possible with God.” Whether it’s a strained relationship, financial hardship, health struggle, or an unanswered prayer, God invites us to surrender our worries and rely on His strength, timing, and plan. ✨ Highlights God can do the impossible — Our limitations don’t limit Him. Faith grows in the waiting — Trusting God deepens when we surrender control. Prayer comes first — Instead of forcing solutions, bring your needs to God first. Surrender releases peace — Handing our impossible situations to God allows us to rest in His power. God’s strength shines through weakness — Our struggles become opportunities for Him to display His glory. 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one situation in your life right now that feels impossible? How are you learning to trust God and make prayer your first response? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #GodCanDoTheImpossible. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Can Do What We Can’t Do By: Whitney Hopler “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’” - Luke 18:27, NIV I’ve been praying every day and night for many months about a job situation for a family member that’s incredibly important. My family and friends have all been praying regularly for the same situation. Despite our prayers, however, the situation hasn’t changed yet. It’s frustrating, because there’s nothing that any of us can do ourselves to change this situation. Only God can do it! So, all we can do is keep praying and keep trusting God to answer our prayers. It’s painful for me to wait for God to act on this, since it’s something we need very much, and the uncertainty is stressful. But it’s impossible for me to do anything else other than pray and trust, or just give up. So, I’m choosing to keep asking God for help until his answer arrives. Jesus’ words in Luke 18:27 have encouraged me a lot during this time. I believe that God can do anything – even what’s impossible for me and the others who are praying with me. While I wait for God’s answer, my faith can grow stronger, since I know that I must completely rely on God instead of on myself or on anyone else for this. We can’t always change our circumstances, but God can. God can do what we can’t do! What are you facing right now that feels impossible? Maybe it’s a difficult relationship, a financial struggle, or a health crisis. We’ve all been in situations where we’ve done everything we can, and it’s still not enough. We’ve tried to make change happen, but we’ve hit a wall. It’s easy to feel hopeless and discouraged in impossible situations. But this verse reminds us that our limitations don’t limit God. When we’re at the end of our own abilities, we’re in a position to let go and let God take over. When we pray for situations where we can do absolutely nothing ourselves, our faith is tested. We have to surrender our need to control the outcome and trust that God will do what we can’t. Our first instinct is often to try harder when we face a problem that seems too big to solve. We make a plan and get to work, doing our best to make a solution happen, no matter what. But Jesus calls us to take a different approach. Jesus invites us to come to him first, and to trust that he will work to meet our needs in ways we can’t even imagine. Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. When we face a situation we can’t change, we need to pray something like this, with humility: “Lord, I’ve done all I can, and it’s not enough. I’m giving this to you, and I’m trusting you to do what only you can do.” When we pray like this, we’re not just asking God for a favor; we’re declaring our faith in God’s power. So, what’s one situation that seems impossible, that you’ve been carrying on your own lately? Whatever it is, surrender it to God in prayer right now. Trust that God can do what you can’t. Your weakness is actually an opportunity for God’s strength to shine. God is a God of miracles, and you can rely on him to do the impossible! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how important it is to trust God to help you with situations you can’t change, reflect on these questions: What’s one impossible situation you’re facing right now that you need to give to God? How does it make you feel to know that God can do what you can’t? What does it mean to truly surrender a problem to God? What would it look like for you to make prayer your first response, not your last resort, in an impossible situation? Further Reading Matthew 19:26 Jeremiah 32:17 Philippians 4:13 2 Corinthians 12:9 Luke 1:37 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.